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Liverpool news: Steven Gerrard on why Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shock selection worked
LIVERPOOL dominated West Ham in the first half of their London Stadium clash thanks to Jurgen Klopp’s decision to use Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out wide, believes Steven Gerrard.
Steven Gerrard reckons goalscorer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played in a Liverpool system that worked
Liverpool went into the break 2-0 up at the London Stadium, stunning the beleaguered Hammers with two goals in quick succession.
Manuel Lanzini struck back for the hosts after the break but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and another Salah goal secured a 4-1 win for the visitors.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was a surprise starter for Liverpool and most fans and pundits expected the England international to start in the middle of the field.
One of the reasons Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the Reds from Arsenal on deadline day was his with to play in central midfield.
Klopp shoved the player out wide in a 4-4-2 formation, much to everyone’s surprise.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored after his initial shot was saved
But Liverpool legend Gerrard explained why that tactic worked against West Ham today.
“It’s unusual for him to use a 4-4-2 formation,” Gerrard said on BT Sport at half time.
“We expected Oxlade-Chamberlain to start in the middle but he’s played him on the right.
“The reason he’s done that is because he’s asking his fullbacks to be more disciplined, so it’s more of a four with two in front.
“And that gives a license then for your four attar-minded players to use problems on the break for West Ham with the pace and direct running in behind.
“Liverpool certainly look more solid.”
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (centre) started out wide for Liverpool
Discussing the match himself, Oxlade-Chamberlain said after full time: "It was definitely not an easy game.
“It was intense, especially when they made it 2-1.
“We defended well, they went long to Andy Carroll and we knew that on the counter we are a big threat. We proved that time and time again."